Why the remaining Amazon rainforest is in danger

By Stephen Beech via SWNS

Human activity has degraded more than a third of the remaining Amazon rainforest, according to a new study.

The damage is far greater than scientists previously believed.

The research, published in the journal Science, shows that carbon emissions from degradation are equivalent to or greater than those from deforestation.

Scientists say that degradation does not just affect climate and biodiversity; it also has major socio-economic impacts.

And projections for 2050 indicate that disturbances such as fire and illegal logging will continue to be among the main sources of carbon emissions from the Amazon.

The study was led by an international team of 35 scientists and researchers, from institutions including Lancaster University, Brazil’s University of Campinas and the Amazon Environmental Research Institute (IPAM).

The worrying findings show that up to 38 percent of the remaining Amazon forest area – equivalent to ten times the size of the UK – has been affected by some form of human disturbance, causing carbon emissions equivalent to or greater than those from deforestation.

The work is the result of the AIMES (Analysis, Integration and Modelling of the Earth System) project, linked to the Future Earth international initiative, which brings together scientists and researchers who study sustainability.

The findings come from an analytical review of previously published scientific data, based on satellite imagery and a synthesis of published data outlining changes in the Amazon region between 2001 and 2018.

The research team defines the concept of degradation as transient or long-term changes in forest conditions caused by man.

They explained that degradation is different from deforestation, where the forest is removed altogether and a new land use, such as agriculture, is established in its place.

Although highly degraded forests can lose almost all of their trees, the land use itself does not change.

The researchers evaluated four key disturbances driving forest degradation: forest fire, edge effects - changes that occur in forests next to deforested areas, selective logging - such as illegal logging - and extreme drought.

Study co-author Professor Jos Barlow, of Lancaster University, said: "Despite uncertainty about the total effect of these disturbances, it is clear that their cumulative effect can be as important as deforestation for carbon emissions and biodiversity loss,"

The research team warned that the degradation of the Amazon also has "significant" socio-economic impacts.

Co-author Dr. Rachel Carmenta, of the University of East Anglia, said: "Degradation benefits the few, but places important burdens on many.

"Few people profit from the degradation processes, yet many lose out across all dimensions of human well-being – including health, nutrition and the place attachments held for the forest landscapes where they live.

"Furthermore, many of these burdens are hidden at present; recognizing them will help enable better governance with social justice at the center.”

The researchers warned that, by 2050, the four degradation factors will continue to be major sources of carbon emissions into the atmosphere, regardless of the growth or suppression of deforestation of the forest.

Study leader Dr. David Lapola, of the University of Campinas, said: "Even in an optimistic scenario, when there is no more deforestation, the effects of climate change will see the degradation of the forest continue, leading to further carbon emissions.

"Preventing the advance of deforestation remains vital, and could also allow more attention to be directed to other drivers of forest degradation.”

The research team has proposed creating a monitoring system for forest degradation, as well as prevention and curbing of illegal logging and controlling the use of fire.

One suggestion is the concept of "smart forests," which - like the idea of "smart cities" - would use different types of technologies and sensors to collect useful data in order to improve the quality of the environment.

Dr. Lapola added: "Public and private actions and policies to curb deforestation will not necessarily address degradation as well.

"It is necessary to invest in innovative strategies."